Health ministry warns Kenyans of public health risks during festive season
By Kenneth Mwenda, December 13, 2025The Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to prioritise safety as the country approaches the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Speaking at the Omogusii O’Nairobi Kisii End-Year Thanksgiving Sabbath on Saturday, December 13, 2025, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, highlighted several public health risks commonly associated with the festive season.
These include road traffic crashes, alcohol-related injuries, food poisoning, preventable infectious diseases, domestic violence, and interruptions in care for people living with chronic illnesses.
PS Muthoni emphasised that responsible celebration is key to reducing risks. She urged Kenyans to avoid drunk driving, consume alcohol in moderation, maintain hygiene during social gatherings, ensure food and water safety, and make informed sexual and reproductive health decisions.
In addition to these general risks, Muthoni earlier warned about the rising circulation of uninspected meat and counterfeit drugs during the festive period. She said unscrupulous traders are taking advantage of increased holiday demand to sell meat that has not undergone mandatory safety checks, posing serious health risks.
“We are seeing an increase in uninspected meat being pushed into the market to meet growing festive-season demand. I am calling on Kenyans to be extremely careful,” Muthoni said.
She added that the Ministry of Health is working closely with county governments to ensure meat inspectors remain on duty throughout the holidays. Counties have received updated guidelines on inspection standards to curb the distribution of unsafe meat products.
Fake drugs, youth risks highlighted
The PS also expressed concern over over-the-counter medicines purchased without proper medical guidance. Some diseases are increasingly resistant to commonly used drugs due to misuse and the circulation of counterfeit medication.
Muthoni warned that a crackdown on outlets stocking fake medication will be instituted soon. She stressed that self-medication, particularly with drugs of uncertain quality, must stop.
On social health insurance, Muthoni encouraged Kenyans who can afford to support the enrolment of indigent families, noting that this will help expand healthcare access to vulnerable groups under President William Ruto’s reforms.
She said broad participation in the new health financing model is crucial for ensuring more Kenyans can access affordable and quality medical services.
Muthoni also appealed to young people to be responsible during the festive season, highlighting the worrying rise in HIV infections among youth.
“We want our young people to enjoy responsibly. The increase in AIDS cases is worrying, and we must all take precautions,” she said.